Customer

Ready for any challenge

The livestock farm Lobnik in Hoče, with 200 heads of cattle and 75 hectares of farmland, has undergone many modern upgrades in recent years. Introducing a milking robot optimized the milking process and improved animal welfare. In addition, they invested in a Durus 1800 dump tipper, which has become an indispensable part of their mechanisation, as it facilitates many transport tasks and increases the efficiency of work on the farm.

Improvements to boost profitability

Emil and Martina from the livestock farm Lobnik in Hoče, Slovenia, are constantly adapting to the demands of modern agriculture. One of the key steps in this direction was to upgrade the farm with a modern robotic milking system, which replaced their outdated milking method. This optimised and automated the milking process, improving animal welfare and reducing labour. By adjusting herd size, they were able to optimise feeding and animal health, resulting in increased productivity and milk quality. With an average milk yield of around 10,000 litres per cow, the results are impressive. All the milk is sold to the nearby Kmetijska zadruga Hoče. In addition to the black and white dairy cows, there are also 20 high-quality breeding heifers on the pasture, which provide additional income.

Optimising production

The Lobnik farm, like many other farms, is facing the pressure of rising land rental costs. Martina, who is in charge of livestock, points out that arable land is becoming increasingly scarce, so efficient management of existing resources is essential. For successful cultivation, they focus on proper crop rotation and the use of organic manures. These approaches ensure they maintain soil fertility, long-term high productivity, and high-quality forage. The farm cultivates 75 hectares of land and is largely self-sufficient in raw materials for its herd of 95 dairy cows. This number represents an optimal balance between milk production and farm capacity. Despite the successes and encouraging results, they are aware of the uncertainty in the milk and agricultural products market, so they carefully plan future investments.

Progress in transport

To further increase efficiency on the farm, the Lobnik family decided to purchase a new Durus 1800 dump tipper this year. Emil, who is responsible for mechanisation and farming on the farm, explains: “We needed a versatile and reliable tipper for everyday transport tasks, which would be of proven brand and quality at the same time.” They found the perfect solution with the Durus 1800 dump tipper, which the farm purchased from Farmtech dealer Mehanizacija Miler. “We buy most of our machinery from this dealer because they are close to us and provide excellent support,” adds Emil. The tipper’s higher load capacity allows it to transport larger quantities of material in one go, and its versatility and faster unloading have significantly increased the efficiency of the farm’s operations. From grain, grass, silage, manure, soil, sand to timber – “we can transport everything we need with the new trailer,” says Emil proudly.

An excellent choice

The purchase of a new Durus 1800 dump tipper was an important step in the modernisation process for the Lobnik farm. After six months of use, all the advantages of this decision have shown themselves. “The tipper is really exceptional and exceeded all my expectations. I am very satisfied with the choice,” says Emil. Working closely with the Vernik farm, which owns Farmtech’s Ultrafex 1600, shows the importance of cooperation in agriculture. “We borrow machines when we need them and, most importantly, we always come together and help each other, especially during seasonal peaks or unexpected weather conditions,” Emil points out.

Focused on sustainability

The Lobnik family is planning gradual and thoughtful investments in effective sustainable solutions. As a next step, they are considering purchasing a low-discharge slurry tanker, which is also likely to be Farmtech branded. “I’m still deciding between a polyester or metal version of the tank barrel,” says Emil. Their approach, based on flexibility, cooperation and careful planning, ensures that the farm remains competitive and ready for the challenges of the future. Emil concludes on an optimistic note: “We know that farming and life today are not easy, but with perseverance, well thought out decisions and the support of those closest to you, there is always a way forward.”

Media

Durus 1800

Dump tipper

Gross weight [t]: 18
Load capacity [t]: 13,3
Tractor power [HP]: > 109